Sea-Air-Space 2019: US Navy eyes submarine upgrades
The US Navy has begun studying how a future version of the Virginia-class fast-attack submarine could better accommodate special operations forces and unmanned vessels, according to a service official.
The navy is looking at various concepts for the submarine’s sixth block and will spend the rest of the year exploring their feasibility, said CAPT Christopher Hanson, the submarine’s programme manager. Those studies will help the service determine the requirements for Block VI submarines, Hanson said on at the 2019 Sea-Air-Space Exposition near Washington, DC.
Of the 48 Virginia-class submarines the navy plans to buy from General Dynamics’ Electric
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
You may also like
More from Naval Warfare
-
![UK ‘Hybrid Navy’ steps up as Norway cooperation reinforces Arctic strategy]()
UK ‘Hybrid Navy’ steps up as Norway cooperation reinforces Arctic strategy
As Russia commits billions to new warships and stealth submarines, the UK is reshaping its strategy with expanded troop deployments, shared frigate fleets and a shift towards uncrewed platforms.
-
![US Navy to develop an undersea networking capability to support UUV operations]()
US Navy to develop an undersea networking capability to support UUV operations
The NEREUS project aims to enhance and expand the US Navy’s existing communications systems, enabling crewed/uncrewed seabed and subsurface missions.
-
![How the Hedge Strategy will impact the US Navy’s future capabilities]()
How the Hedge Strategy will impact the US Navy’s future capabilities
The US Navy Hedge Strategy is intended to provide a lethal, modular and cost-effective fleet while accepting Washington’s fiscal and industrial constraints.
-
![US Navy and Raytheon explore additional applications for Mk 58 CRAW torpedo]()
US Navy and Raytheon explore additional applications for Mk 58 CRAW torpedo
Designed as an anti-torpedo and anti-submarine capability, the USN and RTX foresee the Compact Rapid Attack Weapon’s potential for deployment from surface ships and aerial and uncrewed platforms.
-
![RTX Raytheon targets nearly 170% RAM production increase to meet global demand]()
RTX Raytheon targets nearly 170% RAM production increase to meet global demand
The US multinational company is currently assembling 300 Rolling Airframe Missile rounds per year, with plans to reach 800 units annually after significant investment and modernisation of its facilities.
